As we gear up for the annual European Battery Recycling Day on September 9, 2024, it is time to reflect on the importance of this initiative and how we can all contribute to a greener future. It emphasizes the collective effort needed to make a significant impact on battery recycling across Europe.

Batteries have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, powering everything from our smartphones to electric vehicles. However, with great power comes great responsibility. The improper disposal of batteries poses serious environmental and health risks. This is where recycling comes in, offering a multitude of benefits:

• Conservation of valuable resources

• Prevention of toxic material contamination

• Reduction in energy consumption for battery production

• Contribution to a circular economy

Since its inception in 2015, the European Battery Recycling Week has been a catalyst for change, raising awareness about the crucial need for battery recycling. Organised by EUCOBAT, the European association of battery eco-organisations, this annual event coincides with the birthday of Luigi Galvani. Galvani was the pioneer whose work with frog legs laid the foundation for modern battery technology (read more on this fascinating discovery here!).

So, how can you get involved? Here are some simple yet impactful ways to participate:

• Collect and properly dispose of your used batteries at designated collection points

• Spread the word about battery recycling to friends and family

• Support local recycling initiatives in your community

The new EU Batteries Regulation, effective since 2023, sets ambitious targets for battery collection and recycling. By 2027, we aim to achieve a 63% collection rate for portable batteries, increasing to 73% by 2030. These targets reflect our commitment to creating a more sustainable future for battery use and disposal in Europe. The materials that are recovered can be used for new batteries or for other items. According to Bebat, the Belgian battery collection organisation, 13 waste batteries give you enough materials to make the frame for eye glasses!

The Batteries Regulation also mandates that end-users properly dispose of waste batteries. These should be separated from other waste streams and taken to designated collection points. Manufacturers of portable batteries must establish free collection systems with specific drop-off locations. These schemes are required to ensure that collected batteries are processed at waste management facilities for material recycling. Additionally, distributors of portable batteries are obligated to accept waste batteries. As a result, you can return used batteries to any store that sells them.

Remember, the European Battery Recycling Day is more than just an annual event – it's a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to our environment. Every battery recycled is a step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Let's work together to make this year's Battery Recycling Week the most impactful yet!

To find your nearest collection point, visit your local battery recycling organisation's website. You can find the one for your country here. You can also bring your waste batteries to any place that sells them.

To learn more about battery recycling, visit Bebat’s page on recycling. Together, we can power a greener future for Europe, one battery at a time!